Triumphs
Kara Winger
Maria Michta-Coffey
Words really fail to fully describe the thrill of the past 24hrs. I am beyond elated that I have qualified to represent the USA at the Olympic Games this summer in Rio, now as a two time Olympian. I am also overjoyed (huge understatement) that my TEAMmate Miranda Melville earned her first Olympic Berth and we will be going TOGETHER! Some moments are truly worth the wait, the blood, sweat, tears, the doubts that needed to be squashed, the fear that needed to be denied all so that the victory would taste even sweeter! Since a picture is worth a thousand words I thought I’d let my jubilant smile do the talking. A full blog post is deff due, but for now I’m still soaking it all in and enjoying some R&R with the family, being a Oiselle teammate fan girl as I cheer on the rest of the birds earning their ticket to Rio, and reflecting on and thankful for all the moments that got me to this point! My list of thank you’s could go on forever, and I can’t possibly list everyone hear but I’ll mention a few!
Thank you EVERYONE who has helped, encouraged, supported and loved me. To my family who has been there since day and has only grown over the years it is because of your unconditional love and belief that I not only made it but have been able to savor the moments . Thank you to my Sachem family, my Icahn School of Medicine friends, Duke Chiropractic, my trainer Courtenay Felton, my amazing Coach Tim Seaman who has waited for this moment as long as the two of us, my Long Island Track and Field family, especially Walk USA Gary Westerfield and the Newhoff family, to the race waking community throughout the USA from athletes to officials to fans thank you!Thank you to Oiselle for spreading your wings and embracing a race walker, thank you for helping me as Nester mentioned “add a new dimension to walking!” I am truly honored to represent all the woman which your brand has united and the values you believe in. Thank you Picky Bars for feeding the Dream both literally and figuratively, we’re off to Rio baby! To my best friends at home who have been such an amazing support group over the years I love you so unbelievably much! To everyone else who took the time to care, to wish me luck, cheer me on, you too I’m am so thankful for! Lastly to my amazing, understanding and ever flexible water boy husband Joey, WE did it!!!
Jeff Porter
Amber Campbell
Heather Miller-Koch
Sandi Morris
Brenda Martinez
Dreams do come true! I will be representing Team USA???????? at the Olympics in Rio! PC: @jamescarney24 Congratulations Amanda you fought like a champion! A photo posted by BRENDA MARTINEZ (@bmartrun) on
Donn Cabral
Kibwè Johnson
Perseverance
Amanda Bingson (from Facebook)
So now that I have had time to adjust and accept the reality that I will not be making my second Olympic Team. I have to say that I am so thankful for all the kind words, and all the support from my sponsors (NYAC, NIKE, USATF FOUNDATION, BUDWEISER , AND SWIMSUITS FOR ALL) this past season. Even though I feel like I have let everyone down I know that this won’t last long. I have to believe that everything happens for a reason and God’s bigger plan is forming. The good thing is, I don’t have to wait 4 years to prove that I am better than this. Next year we have our World Championships in London (same thing as Olympic but different title). Mock me, Next year will have a different ending.
Kayla Caldwell
Brandon Hudgins
I may have gotten knocked out earlier than expected but I got to watch the ageless wonder Bernard Lagat today whip the young bucks over 5000 meters. If he still gets it done at 41 maybe I have a few more Olympic Trials in my legs. #oldmanspeed #speedkills A photo posted by Brandon Hudgins (@bhudgnasty) on
Turquoise Thompson
See that girl taking a tumble in lane 2 …. EVEN WHEN I FALL I’LL NEVER STAY DOWN- Paul George #lane2 #olympictrials #ifinishedtherace A photo posted by Turquoise Thompson (@tqthompson) on
Tia Brooks
Rachel Schneider
Lance Brooks (from Facebook)
I thank you all for your support and kind words! You all make it worth the blood, sweat and tears (hard work)!! Much appreciated!! I ended up 5th, and did not make the 2016 Olympic team, clearly not what I was going for, but I must say it has been a great come back year for me. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE 2016 OLYMPIANS!! We are all proud of you! GO TEAM U.S.A!!!
Heather Kampf (from Facebook)
I’m at a loss. In many ways this has been a perfect season with great races and even better workouts. Rather than taking the hard line of thinking “failure is not an option”, I had a genuine mantra of “success is inevitable”.
No great story comes without hiccups, mine just unfortunately came in the final two weeks of my preparation for the Trials. It took nine days of treatment, pool workouts and prayers to get to running pain-free for the first time last Saturday. Ever-the-optimist, I thought this was all part of His greater plan to humble me and realign my motivations on the way to something great.
The positive thing is I am running pain-free again, and I went out there today and executed a race plan that was ideal for my strengths…the negative thing is my legs weren’t quite back to pre-injury ‘pop’ to finish like I needed to. I am forever grateful for all the support, well-wishes, and love I have felt from everyone throughout this process. One of my greatest motivators is visualizing the happy faces of friends, family, and fans on those days I do them proud and confirm that their belief in me is warranted, the sacrifices I’ve made are worth it. Thank you to everyone who has reminded me this day does not define my ability, my potential, or my worthiness of love.
When you make an Olympic Trials Final- no matter how likely or unlikely of a pick you are, you have earned the right to dream. To believe that it could be you. That everything you’ve gone through in your running career has led you to this incredible opportunity.
Right now I think I’m still just suffering the whiplash of wholeheartedly having, and then losing that hope.
I’ve learned that running can break my spirit, but my passion for this gift God has blessed me with is also what heals me. So, I’m already booked for a flight to Italy on Sunday- where I can chase down my own possibilities, aim to gain perspective, perhaps a little redemption, and dare I say, have some fun.
Donnie Cowart
Finished 8th tonight. I ran a race I can be proud of. I would love to take a moment to thank all the amazing people who have supported my journey the past four years and all the wonderful encouragement I have received over the past few days. Thank you! A photo posted by Donnie Ray Cowart (@donnie_cowart) on
Kaitlin Goodman (from Facebook)
Fortune favors the bold – well, sometimes. Took the lead for half of the 5k to make it an honest, fast race in the hopes of advancing to Sunday’s final. I came up short of my goal, but I’d rather run brave than scared. Learned so much this season about racing, competing, and what’s inside of me. More to come on the track in Europe this summer! Olympic Trials, you’ve been all I’ve dreamed of and more!
Jordan Scott
Tiana Davis
This has been the craziest, most stressful, amazing, memorable three days of my life. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything in the world. I’ve met so many wonderful people and made so many amazing connections that will help me with my journey. I want to take a moment to thank this man right here. My coach, Larry Isler. You’ve believed in me since day one. And though the road hasn’t been easy, you never gave up on me. And, well Coach…look at us now Look out future, here we come! A photo posted by Tiana “The Gazelle” Davis (@hurdlesncurls) on
Donald Scott
Thank You everyone for the support. This meant everything to me, but I came up short. God isn’t done with me yet! — Donald Scott (@__dscott) July 10, 2016
Alexis Love
From the bottom of my heart I want to thank you all for supporting me on this journey. I am disappointed but not discouraged. I still believe GOD has a plan. I appreciate the Facebook posts, text messages, phone calls and emails I am so glad He blessed ME with the opportunity to compete at the U.S. Olympic Trials again!! It was never about me #HeIsAPromiseKeeper #GodIsStillGood #Romans8:28 #Jeremiah29:11 A photo posted by Alexis LOVE (@lex_love__) on
Queen Harrison
Walked into the 100h Olympic Trials final like.. ••When I see this photo (someone sent it to me) it literally fills me up with joy because it shows how no MATTER the pressure or the outcome, I truly enjoy the fight! Look @ my smile Congratulations ladies. #GoQueengo #OlympicTrials2016 #QueenHarrison A photo posted by Queen Harrison (@goqueengo) on
Stephanie Garcia
Ashley Higginson (from Facebook)
The Olympic picture perfect dream was not accomplished but I am filled with so much gratitude for every single person running has brought my way and helped make the pursuit so incredible. Thank you and ❤️ – onward!
Sarah Brown
Today wasn’t the fairytale ending you dream about. But then again, this journey never really was about an ending, it’s a beginning. A new chapter as a family of three. Thanks for all the support & you can bet you will continue to see this mama run #runmamarun A photo posted by Sarah Brown (@sarahmb15) on
Sarah Pease
See ya later #tracktownusa ! Leaving here humbled, but hopeful for what’s next and thankful for the process of the past four years. Running has given me so many great people and experiences that even in the disappointment it’s hard not to love the sport. Honored to have competed against and watched some of the world’s best this week. ???????? A photo posted by speasey87 (@speasey87) on
Amanda Eccleston
This picture doesn’t devastate me; it inspires me. The women who went one and two are the first and third fastest Americans ever over 1500. I almost kicked down the World Championships 800 Bronze medalist in the last 100 meters. I admire and respect these women, but I belong right there with them. I know I will only continue to improve and keep chasing my dreams. Thank you again for all the incredible support! I’ve still got a whole summer of racing ahead of me! #believe #tracktown16 A photo posted by Amanda Eccleston (@amandaeccleston1500) on
Kyle Merber (from Facebook)
Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who sent messages of love and support this past weekend. Unfortunately I fell short in my bid for Rio, but I am proud with what I was able to do with what I had. I am not upset with the way things went in the race, as much as I am disappointed with the way things went this season as a whole. Although the Olympics is considered the pinnacle of our sport in many ways, there are still more opportunities for me between now and 2020. And so I am off to Europe tomorrow to continue chasing them!
Padua, Italy-July 17th
Dublin, Ireland-July 22nd (there the 18th-26th, maybe a quick trip to Tipp!?)
Some more races…Then Hoka One One Long Island Mile! Sign up!
Lauren Johnson (from Facebook)
Yesterday my quest to make the Olympic team did not end how I dreamed it would. When I stumbled off the track with 450 to go I knew that any realistic shot I had was gone. I fought best of could that last lap. Not knowing, thinking what could have been is the hardest thing. The beauty of a race is at the end you know without a doubt who the fastest runner was that day. I feel like I will never know if I was good enough to be an Olympian this year. Looking at the results, the last lap splits, I know I could have been in the race, had a chance. I don’t know if my body has 4 more years in it, I hope so. Not everyone is meant to be an Olympian, this year was not my time. I don’t understand it, but for some reason God has a different plan for my life. I just want to take a moment to thank everyone, my family, friends, and community for the out pouring of love and support, before during and after the trials. Every single prayer, message or post was was felt/read and greatly appreciated and means the world to me. So, thank you! I’m not done yet, I’ll have some more races this summer and the opportunity to make another world championship team next year. Thanks for joining me for the journey!
Katie Mackey
That goal. But everyone else out there has seen themselves achieving that goal in their head a thousand times. And everybody believes it’s going to be them. You have to believe it’s going to be you, like 100% with all of your being. And when it doesn’t happen it’s like the elation from celebrating your goal is equal to the devastation of it slipping through your fingers. I just thought it was going to be me.
Jasmin Stowers
Kori Carter
Thanks to everyone who has sent me so much love and support this week! I’m so blessed to have such amazing friends, family, and fans! — Kori Carter (@TheKoriMonster) July 11, 2016
Daniella Bunch (from Facebook)
Blessed for the opportunity to compete at the trials this year. Not the outcome I was looking for but God’s plans outweigh my own. Had 3 deep throws in prelims that would have easily gotten me into finals, but I just couldn’t save them. This year has been challenging for me, but I’m ready for what’s to come next season. Thank you for all the support this year! ????
Fawn Miller (from Facebook)
Hard pill to swallow finishing 13th but can’t be more faithful for all the support I have received! Thank you everyone for joining me on this journey!!
Sara Vaughn
Dana Mecke
Next Chapter
Amanda Smock
Took these puppies for their last ride. Please nobody be sad for me. I’ve had a heck of a ride and loved every minute of it. Just feeling my age a little and trouble staying healthy. USA TJ is in good hands, amazing group of youngsters. Thanks to everyone for the support. peace out TJ A photo posted by Amanda Smock (@smockjumps) on
Bridget Franek
Overwhelmed by the support I’ve received this past week/year/career. I was unfortunately not able to accomplish the goals I set for myself at the beginning of the season but the challenges I was ultimately up against these past few months were not what I expected them to be either. Thanks to the support of many amazing friends I was somehow still able to compete with a field full of some of America’s best athletes. I am grateful for my journey, my friends, my gifts, my growth…….Thank you everyone who played a role. Its been an incredible ride.
Johnny Dutch
Thanks to everyone for supporting me all these years. I gave it my all. I think its time to pursue this film career and create movies. — Johnny Dutch (@DutchFilmmaker) July 11, 2016